Arya’s pov
The first person that came to view immediately we stepped into the dinning section was a young lady seemingly around my age, I caught her reaction when she noticed our ambiguous posture and how she fought hard to keep her composure while twitching her lips upwards into a forced smile that gradually turned to a wide grin revealing all her dentures.She approached us with a burst of enthusiasm or rather she approached Nicklaus as she completing ignored my existence and tried bridging her way to give Nicklaus a peck that didn’t get a chance to reach his cheeks as he tossed her aside with a swing of his unoccupied arm and headed straight for our seats leaving her forced to flash another half-hearted smile.I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, she’s just a poor sister craving her brother’s love, did he really have to push her like that? So heartless. Although I felt their relationship was kinda strange but this was a family dinner after all, if she wasn’t his sister then who was she? No matter the feud they’ve got going on he shouldn’t have treated her like that.Family is family regardless. I thought as I walked alongside this cold blooded monster.Of course Nicklaus pulled out mychair in a display of our never ending love, yikes! The thought alone makes me cringe but I’ll survive.The heavy ambiance of the dining almost made me loose my appetite but not a moment too soon the chef started the servings while I darted my gaze for a brief examination of the delicacies and instantly I felt a surge of rejuvenation as my stomach bounced back to life, it’s been so long since I’ve had a proper meal so I sure wouldn’t pass on this wonderful opportunityOh shit! Where’re my manners? “Good day Mr and Mrs Harrington”. I said grinning sheepishly from ear to ear but all I got was a bare head nod which I felt was a mere attempt to hide their contempt as anyone could see through that shabby reply. I guess they’re still flabbergasted by my presence.All the fuss about his brother’s charm but he was no where in sight, I’d have to admit I was really looking forward to seeing him in action.Oh well, better luck next time I thought as I reached for a glass of wine as the conversation between father and son was quite strange, and here I thought my father was the worst. I decided to pay deaf ears and engross myself in the scrumptious delicacies before me but what I heard next caused the water to be sputtered from my mouth leading me into a coughing fit.“What’re you talking about Nick? We’ve been betrothed since kids”. The lady I believed to be his sister spat with furrowed brows.That explains why someone’s eyes hasn’t left me the entire time, not even for a second. The intensity of her gaze was indeed alarming as I couldn’t help but wonder why she had that look like she wanted to rip me apart, turns out she’s his arranged bride.She’s clearly from a wealthy family and her looks says it all, dressed in an elegant bitter green tweed fabric she exudes an aristocratic feel, her facial features are on track to compliment her spoilt upbringing, in a glance I can tell her arrogant nature won her few friends.Meanwhile Mr gentleman here totally disregarded her aggrieved venting and passed me on a napkin but it didn’t end there, he went as far as padding on the water on my mouth trailing it all the way to my chest.Now I finally get the big picture, the sole essence of this contract was to sabotage his arranged marriage and not any crazy idea I had going on in my head.He should’ve at least had the decency to give me an heads up then I wouldn’t have made a fool of myself,but the more I thought of it the more it makes no sense, using an arranged marriage to destroy an arrange marriage is so cliché I’m sure there’s more going on than meets the eyes, so I thought to play along, that’s why I’m here anyways.Placing my hands on the hand that was currently padding on the water droplets and bringing it to a halt while I seized the opportunity to slowly and amiably graze on his side view with the back of my fingers tips, “you look so pale sugar”.Staring straight into his eyes in the most affectionate way possible I stated, after which I averted my gaze to the dishes before us and forked up a portion “here dear, have this”.I offered and didn’t miss the bulging stares from the rest of the family the moment Nicklaus leaned forward, but I failed to detect the shinning glint in his eyes as I heard him say,“I prefer this” and the next thing I knew his lips were on mine stealing my second kiss. I batted my eye lids vigorously confused and flabbergasted at the sudden intrusion as I felt my heart skip a beat while fighting the urge to push him because the show must go on.I couldn’t deny his touch sends signal zaps to my core, it was for a split second but that’s all it took to ignite a fire within me. How can he have so much control over my body? The thought alone was terrifying.“Nicklaus!” Veronica’s scream was all I needed to get a hold of myself and complete what I started.“Oh sorry” I stated unapologetically but I wasn’t done yet instead of reaching for a napkin I decided to use my fingers to amiably rub off my lipstick prints from the corners of his lips, not that there was any to be honest.Fully aware that this screamed of intimacy, then I laid back and dug into my food like I didn’t just wreck havoc in the hearts of many.“You!” Veronica bellowed helplessly.“Enough!” Mr. Adam Harrington roared clearing his throat while I sat back to watch the unfolding drama only to become the main character in an instance as he threw me an unexpected question.“What’s your family name?”He asked and all eyes immediately rested on me, luckily I’ve been warned by Nicklaus on our way not to answer any question so I decided to stay silent like a cute little puppy waiting to be rescued by it’s master.“Her family’s name doesn’t matter. You said to get a bride and here she is”. Nicklaus replied in my stead making the contorted expression on Veronica’s face deepen.“That doesn’t mean you can marry a nobody-” Mr Adam stated between gritted teeth.“I’ll decide who I marry”. Nicklaus interjected with his usual cold and sharp tone making Mr Adam’s blood rise as he slams his hands on the table “you!” He bellowed almost knocking down the dishes making me jolt at the sudden burst of energy.Wow! The apple doesn’t really fall far from the tree, this heartlessness definitely runs in the blood. I’m right here and they’re carelessly discussing me like an object.Mr Adam effortlessly exuded a tyrannical demeanor one that easily instill fear just by his mere presence, now I see where Nicklaus gets his.His looks tells me he’s probably in his late forties although the strands of white hair tends to say otherwise but I’m positive of my estimate, I thought while watching him fluently rain curses on his son, one would think he wasn’t his real child but the look on Nicklaus’s face told me he was used to it.“You will do no such thing!” Mr. Adam thundered with a scowl on his face only to hear“I don’t need your permission. Just like you didn’t need mine to bring in your new wife.” from Nicklaus who now had a diabolical grin on his lips.The spasmodic frown that appeared on Mr Adam features told me that really hit home and I knew it was my cue to put an end to this.Darting my eyes in an attempt to cook up an act but I froze letting out a gasps as a response for my shocked reaction of the time.Oh my days! In the turmoil I had completely forgotten my mom’s surgery, what kind of daughter am I?I really have to find a way to end this.About to execute my perfectly concise plan but halted the moment Mrs Harrington whom I believe to be Juliet ran to aid Mr. Adam who was coughing vigorously and clenching his chest like he was gonna have an heart attack,luckily it was a call to bluff but the way she moved and acted as though she had Nicklaus best interest at heart screamed of maliciousness others wouldn’t notice but having lived with such pretentious characters I can spot one any day.Her looks were prime and resolute as though she had an hidden agenda but she put up a pitiful front to deceive others. She’s quite the character indeed. She wore a silk flowing black dress with a fur arm hold to give off a dignified aura.“Party’s over”. I heard Nicklaus say and I couldn’t be more thankful. He took me by the hand and the next thing I knew we were out of there in the blink of an eye.Taking the cool evening breeze to recollect my thoughts and calm my nerves I observe the changes in Nicklaus demeanor as he receives a phone call but I couldn’t care less I have more pressing things to worry about, I thought as I let my location be known and soon a driver was made ready to take me to the hospital.I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, heck! My hands were shaking, I hope my mom’s okay still I couldn’t wrap my head around why I kept thinking about Nicklaus facial expression on the call. It was like he became someone else. Who on earth called him? And what was it about?Lucious POV“Why’re there still so many papers to sign?”. I asked to no one seeing I was alone in my now dark office as time was far spent. Soon the door opened and my assistant Dylan approached me. “Sir, you still have one more agenda scheduled for this evening”.Hearing this I furrowed my brows, as if today’s arrangements for the new movie shooting wasn’t enough, there was more to add?. “Which is?”. I asked irritably.“Your mother’s invitation to a family dinner which I believe to be a disguise for an engagement between your brother Nicklaus and his fiancée”. He responded earning a raised brow from me, “you mean the bride in the photo with the ginger colored hair you sent to me just yesterday?”. This is just hilarious, why was he in such a hurry? He couldn’t be thinking I’ll fight to be Adam’s successor, could he?. Anyways that’s none of my concern.“No, it seems your mother has arranged someone else for Nicklaus. I believe her name was Veronica Lucas”. Dylan revealed and I co
Nicklaus POVWith Arya out of sight my dark and terrifying demeanor returned but this time it intensified at the very thought of what awaits my prey. Not letting even a second slide, immediately my call ended I dashed for the car but for some odd reason I looked over my shoulder only to reveal a now empty space, although I found her restless and childish behavior quite annoying, I couldn’t deny that it was lively and added a little color to my usually mundane and humdrum drives. “Snap out of it Nick” I murmured at the realization of my sudden drifting.“Yes boss?” My Chauffeur inquired. “It’s nothing” I dryly replied as I met his surprised gaze through the rear mirror “Uhm hmm” I cleared my throat in an attempt to alleviate the awkward atmosphere knowing he was perplexed at my change in attitude, it was of course very unlikely to find me talking to myself even I can’t fathom my words or actions lately especially my little display back at the dinning. Why on earth did I kiss her know
Arya’s POVRushing to the reception counter to inquire my mom’s current location and I felt my heart sink as a shiver pass through my veins the moment the receptionist gave her feedback “Mrs Melissa is currently in the theater on the 21st floor ma’am”. She announced in a professional tone while I felt my legs giving in to the intrusive thoughts that filled my head but I somehow found my way to the elevator and leaned over by the railings least I faint from my continuous shivering.Standing in front of the shut emergency doors and breathing shakily while actively trying to calm my rising pulse which didn’t go halfway subsiding the situation,I find a seat and relax my legs but the pressure in my chest was getting worse as I clenched it tightly fighting hard to breathe but the more I tried the harder it became. It was evident I was having a panic attack and there’s no surprise there, I’ve had several cases of panic attacks in the past when my mom collapsed or fainted and this case was
Arya glances at her watch “I’ve got less than two hours”. She voiced reminiscing on the words of the doctor as she gets off the taxi and approaches the main entrance of Nicklaus grand mansion but she notices none of this as her mind is tied pondering on what Nicklaus was going on about, was there an emergency of some sorts?Soon she reached the gigantic doors that seems as though it holds deep memories not known to the naked eyes and whilst admiring this work of art she is pointed in the direction of his study by the butler which she concisely followed but soon realized that one was bound to get lost in this humongous mansion.Reaching out to her phone to get a hold of Nicklaus but hesitates as her attention gets stolen by a wall frame portraying the figure of a jaw dropping gorgeous woman who undeniably must be Nicklaus’s mother as both their eyes betrays them.Still lost in a daze as the voice of a maid draws her back to reality “miss, you shouldn’t be here” the maid whispers with f
Arya’s ringtone resounded in a taxi reflecting Bella’s name which she delightfully accepted. “Hello” she voiced and soon Bella’s appealing voice responded “Hey Arya, how’re you?” She inquired unmistakably worried and a warm feeling envelopes Arya’s heart causing her eyes to glister with tears threatening to spill whilst she actively wipes it off, sniffed her nostrils and got back her composure, or so she thought but the moment she sort to speak it was as though the dam has broken “I’m fine...” Arya replied but her muffled words made it almost impossible to continue. “What’s wrong? Hope the surgery went well” Bella inquired in a heartbeat. “Yes it went well”. Arya stated nodding vigorously as though Bella could see her expression. “Then why’re you sobbing?” Bella curiously asked. “It’s just that I’m so happy” she responded chuckling and wiping off the tear drops while Bella let out a corresponding titter at Arya’s display. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay. Take care of yourself always”
Arya’s POVThere’s a reason why I’ve been living an antisocial and distant life in school so much that I never dated anyone and few hours ago I was reminded why. Getting my school things sorted out and overwhelmed by the hectic processes but what I didn’t expect was a complete turn of events as a guy that used to pester me went down on one knee in a charismatic display of his love affection and he confessed his never ending feelings in front of the entire school and if I’m being honest I’m pretty sure they all knew as I’ve been feeling awkwardly suspicious about their stares and giggle. And not to mention how they all helped with the decorations, cheers and musical performance and if you’re wondering what my reply was maybe this will help, I’m currently locked in the restroom and it’s not as a result of my escape plan going wrong but as a defense mechanism because his fans were out to get me for rejecting their Mr handsome and nobody knows to care that there’s an even scarier pers
Nick’s POVHow dare she move out without my permission and who says she can I thought examining the messages sent by the shadow guard stating how she got an apartment and won’t be returning home. I don’t understand why I keep letting her do as she pleases, this is very unlike me and my sudden change in attitude is starting to piss me off. Since when do I tolerate such careless acts and I even take her word for it, I must be losing it honestly. “Nicklaus” I hear Klaus call out to me which actively made me realize the meeting was still ongoing. “Yes?” I asked obviously irritated as I hate being interrupted.“We need your response on this, sir” one of the employees responded unluckily failing to detect my grimed expression. “What’s your name?” I asked with my usual deep husky tone and she replies “I am Lucy, from the marketing department” while smiling sheepishly intensifying my inner rage as I couldn’t get the picture of Arya smiling to Lucious off my head.“You’re fired” I announce
Klaus’s POVClosing my eyes and taking in the intoxicating smell of liquor as all I could hear was ear-deafening music that reverberated through my soul. My only goal tonight was to get wasted, enjoy the rest of the night in the arms of a woman just like the good old days and eventually blow off some steam.Squeezing my way through the crowd as the club was overflowing tonight, I find my way to the bar and stumble upon a perverse act that unquestionably invoked my reflexes as I grabbed the hand of a man that just groped the ass of the lady seated at the bar and twisted it until he screamed for help but what happened next was unexpected.“Step aside, I don’t need your help” the lady said getting up and putting my moves to a halt, she stared the pervert straight in the eyes, raising her slender fair smooth legs through the slit of her dress and kicked him where the sun never shines earning a nerve-racking gasps from the person in question. After which she returned to her seat and glug